Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently stated that his estranged transgender daughter had been “killed” following gender-affirming care, prompting him to pledge to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk made these remarks during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired on Monday. He characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization” and noted that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, transitioned during the pandemic at the age of 16.
Musk expressed that he felt misled into signing documents regarding his daughter, who has since changed her last name. He mentioned that his understanding of the issue was limited at the time, especially amid COVID-related confusion, and he was concerned about his child’s mental health.
During the interview, Musk criticized the medical processes used for children, arguing that these should only be undertaken after a young person reaches the age of consent. He echoed Peterson’s assertion that promoting such care is “incredibly evil” and suggested that those advocating for it should face imprisonment. Musk claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization, although it is generally understood that these medications do not directly affect fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk remarked, expressing his feelings of loss over his son, emphasizing the term “deadnaming,” which he associated with grief over his child’s identity change.
These comments follow Musk’s recent announcement that both X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, a move influenced by California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation prevents schools from requiring parental notifications if a student identifies as transgender and mandates the State Department to provide support resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a legal name change and a new birth certificate, declaring her desire to sever ties with her father. Musk has attributed the rift in their relationship to her progressive school in Los Angeles, a situation he suggests has fueled his sentiments against “woke” culture.
Over the past few years, Musk, once recognized for his moderate political stances, has embraced more right-wing viewpoints on a range of issues including diversity and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidates, former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their support of the fossil fuel industry and opposition to clean energy.